Where the Davenport Driver License Office Is Located

The Davenport Driver License Office is run by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). It serves Polk County residents and anyone else in the area who needs to renew a license, get a duplicate, take a written test, or complete a road test.

The office is located at 1911 Havendale Boulevard NW, Davenport, FL 33837. This is in central Polk County, roughly 40 miles southwest of Orlando. If you are using GPS or a map app, enter the full address to avoid confusion with other county offices.

Davenport is one of several license offices in Polk County. If you live closer to Lakeland, Winter Haven, or Bartow, those offices may have shorter wait times or different hours. Check the full Polk County office list before you go, because hours and services vary by location.

Key Takeaways

  • The Davenport office is at 1911 Havendale Boulevard NW and handles renewals, duplicates, tests, and address changes for Polk County residents.
  • Hours change seasonally and by day of the week, so check the DHSMV website or call ahead before you visit.
  • You will need a Real ID-compliant document (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) plus proof of residency to renew or get a new license.
  • Road tests must be scheduled in advance; you cannot walk in and take one the same day.
  • If the Davenport office has a long wait, Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Bartow offices serve the same county and may be faster.

What Documents You Need to Bring

Florida requires a Real ID-compliant primary document to get or renew a driver license. This means a valid U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate (original or certified copy), or state ID card. A regular ID from another state does not count. If you do not have one of these, you will need to get it before the office can issue your license.

You also need proof of residency — something that shows your current Florida address. Acceptable documents include a recent utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, property tax bill, or insurance policy. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or credit card bill with your name and address also works.

Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it (like a Social Security card or W-2). If you are renewing and your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change.

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present. Bring their ID and proof of guardianship if they are not a biological parent.

Hours and How to Check Before You Go

The Davenport office hours change by season and sometimes by day. Rather than listing hours that may shift, check the official DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov or call the office directly at the number listed on that site. Many people waste a trip by relying on outdated hours from Google Maps or other third-party sites.

The office is typically closed on Sundays and some state holidays. If you are planning a visit around a holiday, call first. During summer months, some offices reduce hours or close certain days, so spring and fall are often less crowded.

Walk-in service is available, but wait times can be long — sometimes 1 to 3 hours depending on the day and time. Arriving early in the morning (right when the office opens) usually means a shorter wait than mid-morning or afternoon.

What You Can Do at This Office

License renewals are the most common transaction. If your license is expiring soon or has expired within the last 6 months, you can renew it in person at Davenport. You can also renew online through the DHSMV website if you meet certain conditions (no address change, no medical restrictions, and your license is not suspended).

First-time licenses and duplicates are also handled here. If you are getting your first Florida license, you will need to pass a written test and a road test. The written test can be taken the same day you visit, but the road test must be scheduled for a separate appointment.

Address changes, name changes, and license corrections can be done at the office. Bring the documents that prove the change (marriage certificate, lease, etc.).

The Davenport office does not handle commercial driver license (CDL) testing or certain specialized endorsements. If you need a CDL, you will be directed to a different location. Ask the staff when you arrive if you are unsure whether your transaction can be completed there.

How Road Tests Work at Davenport

If you are taking a road test for the first time or after a suspension, you cannot schedule it online. You must call the Davenport office or visit in person to book an appointment. Road tests are not offered on a walk-in basis.

When you schedule, you will be given a date, time, and instructions on where to meet the examiner. Bring your permit, proof of insurance, and a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check the vehicle before the test begins.

Road tests typically take 20 to 30 minutes. You will be tested on basic driving skills, parking, turns, and following traffic laws. If you fail, you can usually schedule another test within a few days or weeks, depending on availability.

If You Have a Suspended or Revoked License

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward renew it at the office. You must first resolve the suspension with the court, DHSMV, or the agency that issued it. This might mean paying a fine, completing a traffic school course, or attending a hearing.

Once the suspension is lifted, the DHSMV system will show your license as may be able to access for reinstatement. You can then visit the Davenport office to get a new license or reinstate your current one. Bring proof that the suspension has been cleared (a court document, receipt, or letter from DHSMV).

If you are unsure whether your license is still suspended, call the office or check your status on the DHSMV website before you visit. This saves a wasted trip.

Alternatives If Davenport Is Too Busy

Polk County has other license offices in Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Bartow. All of them handle the same services and accept the same documents. If the Davenport office has a long wait or inconvenient hours, one of these locations may be faster or more accessible.

You can also renew your license online if you meet the requirements: your license must not be suspended, you cannot have a medical restriction, and you cannot be changing your address. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs less than an in-person visit.

If you need a road test and Davenport has a long wait, ask the staff whether you can schedule at a different county office. Some offices have shorter wait times for test appointments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online instead of going to the Davenport office?

Yes, if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and you are not changing your address. You can renew online through flhsmv.gov in about 10 minutes. If any of those conditions do not explore, you must visit an office in person.

How long does a road test take, and can I schedule one online?

Road tests take 20 to 30 minutes. You cannot schedule one online — you must call the Davenport office or visit in person to book an appointment. Tests are not offered on a walk-in basis, so plan ahead.

What if I lost my Social Security card and do not have another document with my number?

You will need to get a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration before you can get a Florida license. Bring your birth certificate and ID to your local Social Security office. This usually takes a few weeks, so plan ahead if your license is expiring soon.

Do I need an appointment to renew my license at the Davenport office?

No, the office accepts walk-ins for most transactions, including renewals. However, wait times can be 1 to 3 hours depending on the day and time. Arriving early in the morning usually means a shorter wait.

What happens if my license expired more than 6 months ago?

If your license has been expired for more than 6 months, you may need to retake the written test and road test, depending on how long it has been. Call the Davenport office or check the DHSMV website to find out what you will need to do before you visit.